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Fresno Eagles Press for FOC

F-15Cs
from the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing fly during Sentry
Savannah 15-2 on May 8, 2015. Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Charles Vaughn.

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​The California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno is on track to reach full operational capability with the F-15C early next year, unit spokesman SMSgt. Chris Drudge told Air Force Magazine on Aug. 19. The unit declared initial operational capability on the Eagle last October, after converting from the F-16C, Drudge said. The 144th FW received its first F-15C in June 2013, and currently boasts a total of 23 aircraft—two more than the unit's designated primary mission aircraft inventory, he noted. Unit officials are aiming for FOC in February 2016, and will make their final determination based on unit performance in an upcoming iteration of exercises Red Flag and Sentry Savannah/Atlantic Spear, Drudge said. Wing jets took part in Sentry Savannah 15-2 back in May, and also plan to take part in the annual bi​lateral NORAD air defense exercise Vigilant Shield with the Royal Canadian Air Force later this year.